

A Beginner's Guide to AI
Dietmar Fischer
"A Beginner's Guide to AI" makes the complex world of Artificial Intelligence accessible to all. Each episode asks someone working with AI about what they do and how AI can help you.
Ideal for novices, tech enthusiasts, and the simply curious, this podcast transforms AI learning into an engaging, digestible journey. Join us as we take the first steps into AI!
Ideal for novices, tech enthusiasts, and the simply curious, this podcast transforms AI learning into an engaging, digestible journey. Join us as we take the first steps into AI!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2023 • 14min
Predictive AI - Your Crystal Ball for the 21st Century
Today we explore predictive AI - systems that analyze data to forecast future outcomes. We learn how techniques like machine learning help uncover patterns to make calculated predictions about the future across industries like healthcare, finance, and more. While promising, predictive AI has limitations around accuracy that require ethical oversight. Overall, these technologies can enable better decision-making through data-driven insights into likely future events before they occur. However, it is up to us to build the brightest future possible powered by AI.
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads"

Aug 26, 2023 • 13min
Be My Eyes - How AI can help the Disabled
This episode explored how AI is transforming assistive technology to expand accessibility for the disabled. We learned how modern AI enables advanced screen readers, speech recognition, facial/emotion detection and more. A case study on Be My Eyes showed how humans and AI can collaborate to give on-demand sight to the blind through video chat. While limitations remain, the future looks bright for AI to remove barriers, grant independence and empower the disabled.
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads"

Aug 24, 2023 • 15min
Back to School, Version 2.0: How AI is Disrupting Education
This podcast explores how AI technologies like ChatGPT are disrupting education. Topics discussed include plagiarism risks, the role of teachers in oversight and ethical usage, the augmentation of instruction with AI, and the need for a balance between generative AI and creative problem-solving activities. The podcast highlights the potential of AI to make education more accessible and engaging while emphasizing the importance of human wisdom in steering its course.

Aug 22, 2023 • 17min
The Terminator Movies: From Sci-Fi Nightmare to AI Safety Blueprint
The Terminator films have profoundly shaped how society thinks about artificial intelligence. This episode analyzes concepts like artificial general intelligence through the lens of Skynet, the malevolent AI in the movies. We explore real-world AI safety research inspired by cautionary sci-fi narratives. The episode prompts a thoughtful examination of how we can develop advanced AI that enhances humanity rather than destroying it. With ethical, responsible innovation, we can steer the future toward an AI-enabled world that benefits all.
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads"

Aug 18, 2023 • 15min
Can Machines Truly Think? And Can They Pass The Turing Test?
Today we explore the age-old question of whether machines can think. Looking at definitions of "thinking", philosophical perspectives, and Alan Turing's famous test, we found machines can now excel at many narrow tasks but general human-level cognition remains elusive. Current AI excels at optimization, pattern recognition, and quantitative performance but still lacks abilities like creativity, reasoning, and consciousness that are hallmarks of human thought. Exciting innovations are emerging in natural language processing and neural networks that may continue to blur the lines between artificial and biological intelligence.
But for now, while machines have come a long way, the essence of human thinking remains difficult to replicate artificially. How we ethically combine the complementary strengths of humans and AI promises to be an increasingly important conversation as technology progresses.
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This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads"

Aug 16, 2023 • 15min
Instagram and the Dangers of Non-Transparent AI: Mechanistic Interpretability
In this episode, we explore the AI concept of mechanistic interpretability - understanding how and why an AI model makes certain decisions. Using Instagram's machine learning-based feed ranking algorithm as an example, we discuss the dangers of algorithms that operate as black boxes. When the mechanics behind AI systems are opaque, issues like bias can go undetected. Through explaining ideas like transparency in AI and analyzing a case study on potential racial bias, we underscores why interpretable AI matters for fairness and accountability. This podcast aims to make complex AI topics approachable, relating them to real-world impacts. Join us as we navigate the fascinating intersection of technology and ethics.
Want more AI Infos for Beginners? 📧 Join our Newsletter!
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads"

Aug 14, 2023 • 15min
Why does ChatGPT hallucinate?
This episode explores the concerning phenomenon of AI hallucination - when chatbots like ChatGPT confidently provide false or fabricated information. We break down the technical factors that lead to hallucination and analyze real examples across domains like medicine and history. Key takeaways are that we must diligently verify ChatGPT's responses rather than presume accuracy, and work is needed to improve reliability. But machine fabrication also represents creativity beyond limitations, as AI pioneer Marvin Minsky noted. Understanding chatbot imagination helps us interact more wisely as progress continues.
Want more AI Infos for Beginners? 📧 Join our Newsletter!
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads"

Aug 12, 2023 • 19min
Military Drones & AI's Life-or-Death Decisions
This episode explores how militaries around the world are beginning to integrate artificial intelligence into their capabilities, from surveillance drones to autonomous weapons. We discuss key use cases like intelligence analysis and examples like Project Maven, while also examining major ethical dilemmas military AI creates around lethal authority and accountability. From cybersecurity to autonomous drones, the intersection of AI and defense raises profound governance challenges that will reshape global stability.
Want more AI Infos for Beginners? 📧 Join our Newsletter!
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. Although I work for the University of the Armed Forces in Germany, I did Claude 2 do its work and didn't interfere with the content.
Music credit: Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads

Aug 9, 2023 • 16min
Asimov's Robot Stories & AI: Bridging Fiction and Reality
In this episode of 'A Beginner's Guide to AI', we journey into the captivating world of Isaac Asimov's Robot Stories and their profound influence on modern AI. Delve into the ethical and practical considerations of AI through the lens of Asimov's 'Three Laws of Robotics'. From defining AI to exploring the real-world implications of autonomous vehicles, we bridge the gap between Asimov's fictional universe and our AI-driven reality. Join us as we navigate the intricate interplay between science fiction and the evolving world of artificial intelligence.
Want more AI Infos for Beginners? 📧 Join our Newsletter!
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads".

Aug 3, 2023 • 19min
Do you say "Please" to a Machine? Anthropomorphism in AI
In this episode of "A Beginner's Guide to AI", we delve into the fascinating world of anthropomorphism in AI - humanising our machines. Starting with the concept's definition, we explore the psychological, design, and ethical dimensions that shape this phenomenon. The case of Sophia, the humanoid robot, serves as our guide, bringing to life the complexities of making AI more human-like. We ponder our cognitive predispositions, marvel at intentional design choices, and grapple with profound ethical dilemmas. How 'human' should we make our AI? Tune in and join us as we explore these captivating territories at the intersection of AI, psychology, and ethics.
This podcast was generated with the help of artificial intelligence. We do fact check with human eyes, but there might still be hallucinations in the output.
Music credit: "Modern Situations by Unicorn Heads".